Advisory was first introduced to Mt. Abe high-school students at the beginning of the school year in 2007. It was initially met with mass disapproval by the student body, and while things have calmed down a bit, it still remains a topic of heated discussion among students and teachers alike. It is the continual bickering about advisory heard in the hallways that inspired me to get the general consensus. I presented a set of questions to 100 students to find out how they feel about advisory.
When asked if they enjoy advisory, 80% answered no. Somehow, this did not come as a surprise. 32% of students said that they feel like they do fun activities at least sometimes in advisory, while 68% do not. 64% of students interviewed said that they have skipped advisory at least once, and 42% said that they go to other advisories often because they are not content with their own. 71% of students said that they do not even get along with their advisors, and 51% of kids said that they feel as though their advisor doesn’t even enjoy the time spent in advisory. Of course that isn’t an accurate representation of how many teachers do or do not enjoy advisory, but is merely the way the student body perceives the attitude of their advisors during advisory. When asked if they would prefer not to have advisory, 85% answered yes.
The dislike for advisory appears to remain as strong as it did when it all began. That leaves me with one question; why do we continue to use a system that clearly is not working?
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Decline In Students Causes Budget Problems by Ryan Sullivan
The administration has had to slash several of the schools department budgets because of a decrease in population of Mt. Abraham students and it is affecting staff members and students alike. Many departments are having to downsize their budgets because of lack of currency to support them. The school gains about $1,000 to $1,200 per Mt. Abe student (multiplied by approximately a 3.5% increase per student), and some staff members are troubled by the decrease in population. In order to save money the school is cutting student and staff members to bring the budget back in order. Students who worked in the school, through Horizons were cut as of January 2009, or any other department that had students under employment.
The senior and junior classes are the largest at the moment," says Steve Jarvis, a computer technician for the school, "and you take a look at the middle school classes and below... and they’re just tiny." Steve is part of the IT (Information Technology) department of Mt. Abraham, which provides the school with all of its computers and networks. Steve is only allowed to have two students work under him this summer to assist him with all of the computer work. This work requires moving all of the computers out of every room and computer lab and into designated destinations. When the school year comes around, he will move all of the computers back to their appropriate location. On top of that, there are computers in the school which are around 10 years old that are still in use and because of the IT’s budget, they are not able to provide and upgrade the schools computers.
I spoke with Bill Connor of the Horizons office. He told me that jobs would still be provided for students through Horizons, but would only be offered out in the community. "It’s a way for students to learn work ethics, customer service, respect, and responsibility. It’s also a job for them to make a little extra money doing," said Mr. Connor.
Reg Wedge, the head custodian of Mt. Abraham, shared Mr. Connor’s views on student work. Wedge had a student working under him that he was forced to let go, but luckily for that student the job will be back soon if he is interested. Several teachers may lose their jobs because of the budget cuts. It all comes down to the number of students enrolled and we won’t find out how it’s going to look until the next generations of Mt. Abraham students arrive in the future. Hopefully, it will be a larger class.
The senior and junior classes are the largest at the moment," says Steve Jarvis, a computer technician for the school, "and you take a look at the middle school classes and below... and they’re just tiny." Steve is part of the IT (Information Technology) department of Mt. Abraham, which provides the school with all of its computers and networks. Steve is only allowed to have two students work under him this summer to assist him with all of the computer work. This work requires moving all of the computers out of every room and computer lab and into designated destinations. When the school year comes around, he will move all of the computers back to their appropriate location. On top of that, there are computers in the school which are around 10 years old that are still in use and because of the IT’s budget, they are not able to provide and upgrade the schools computers.
I spoke with Bill Connor of the Horizons office. He told me that jobs would still be provided for students through Horizons, but would only be offered out in the community. "It’s a way for students to learn work ethics, customer service, respect, and responsibility. It’s also a job for them to make a little extra money doing," said Mr. Connor.
Reg Wedge, the head custodian of Mt. Abraham, shared Mr. Connor’s views on student work. Wedge had a student working under him that he was forced to let go, but luckily for that student the job will be back soon if he is interested. Several teachers may lose their jobs because of the budget cuts. It all comes down to the number of students enrolled and we won’t find out how it’s going to look until the next generations of Mt. Abraham students arrive in the future. Hopefully, it will be a larger class.
Barney and Leo's Epic Tale
On a rainy may day, while in the over heated; stress driven computer lab, doing spins until our stomachs curled like that of week old milk left on the counter. We had a sub and were being locked up in the lab. The decision was made to experience the epic journey of rollin’ through the halls of Mt. Abraham.
After regaining stabilization, Leo and Barney took a once in a lifetime ride with the relaxation and comfort of a five-wheeled beast powered by the oldest engine known to mankind.
After James Bonding it out of the room came the first challenge--getting through the horde of middleschoolers, about to make their way to one of the day’s envious moments: lunch! Undermining the difficulty of the challenge, the woes of the middleschoolers ended in laughter as we induced a large mob to follow us down the halls.
Upon answering questions of curiosity and comical states, the towering ego known as next year’s principle approached. "Barney and Leo, what are you doing with the chair?" Without hesitation we broke the first commandment of the "TREAT" policy.
"It’s broken, Batman, we’re makin’ our way to the janitor’s office."
"Oh, ok", he responded before briskly going on his way. Laughing at the ease of deception of a future principal, we rounded the corner to the bumpy road of the lobby. Exiting the mail room was long time sub and student-parent, JFK.
She raised her head with a smile, and in a soft-indulging way asked, "What are you doing?" As we jumbled our words to get the answer there arose a blinding light. Upon further investigation, it was the reflection off a balding middle-age skull of Sergey Bubka. JFK leaned in, breaking the stare-down that would make Butch & Sundance stay in the house, whispering, "I’ve always wanted to do that!"
"WHAT?" the puzzled balding man asked. Knowing what his one-worded question pertained to, we told the story of how the chair was broken and deceived yet another gullible science teacher. passed the office.
Wheeling down the lobby, we saw the oncoming Dean of Students, running out of excuses we detoured to the elevator. When appeared the shadow of Gary Nolan the Judge, Jury and Executioner. Fearing that Nolan would make Leo ride the pine, we pressed the button more times than Desmond Hume in the Hatch. Once the door finally opened, we dodged into the cramped space, and shut the doors in the nick of time.
Making it safely to the second story, we cackled our way out of the elevator, and all the
After regaining stabilization, Leo and Barney took a once in a lifetime ride with the relaxation and comfort of a five-wheeled beast powered by the oldest engine known to mankind.
After James Bonding it out of the room came the first challenge--getting through the horde of middleschoolers, about to make their way to one of the day’s envious moments: lunch! Undermining the difficulty of the challenge, the woes of the middleschoolers ended in laughter as we induced a large mob to follow us down the halls.
Upon answering questions of curiosity and comical states, the towering ego known as next year’s principle approached. "Barney and Leo, what are you doing with the chair?" Without hesitation we broke the first commandment of the "TREAT" policy.
"It’s broken, Batman, we’re makin’ our way to the janitor’s office."
"Oh, ok", he responded before briskly going on his way. Laughing at the ease of deception of a future principal, we rounded the corner to the bumpy road of the lobby. Exiting the mail room was long time sub and student-parent, JFK.
She raised her head with a smile, and in a soft-indulging way asked, "What are you doing?" As we jumbled our words to get the answer there arose a blinding light. Upon further investigation, it was the reflection off a balding middle-age skull of Sergey Bubka. JFK leaned in, breaking the stare-down that would make Butch & Sundance stay in the house, whispering, "I’ve always wanted to do that!"
"WHAT?" the puzzled balding man asked. Knowing what his one-worded question pertained to, we told the story of how the chair was broken and deceived yet another gullible science teacher. passed the office.
Wheeling down the lobby, we saw the oncoming Dean of Students, running out of excuses we detoured to the elevator. When appeared the shadow of Gary Nolan the Judge, Jury and Executioner. Fearing that Nolan would make Leo ride the pine, we pressed the button more times than Desmond Hume in the Hatch. Once the door finally opened, we dodged into the cramped space, and shut the doors in the nick of time.
Making it safely to the second story, we cackled our way out of the elevator, and all the
Losing One of the Best by Ethan Mitchell
Joanne Fuller came to Mount Abe at the beginning of the 2004-2005 school year. She immediately took on the hefty responsibility of Yearbook Advisor and has been turning them out with incredible creativity and dedication ever since. Although many students don’t know, Joanne has been committed to education for eleven years and running. Before coming to Mount Abe, she taught for four years at Wilder Middle School in Henrico, Virginia and three years at Deep Run High School in Richmond.
Since Joanne started teaching at Mount Abe, she has been involved with various committees including the democratic schools committee, the advisory steering committee, and the Amazing Sophomore Race committee. She has proven to not only care about the education of her students, but their general well being as well.
Over the past four years, she has built valuable relationships with her students and many of her co-workers. She has become a valuable addition to our school, teaching English 10, Creative Writing, Yearbook, and more recently: Journalism. We could have never put these newspapers together without her guidance and encouragement.
It is sad to say that Ms. Fuller has left the Mt. Abe community to pursue her masters in English at the University of Vermont. Along with her daughters Cordellia and Miranda, and her husband Ithiel, Joanne will be moving to Brattleboro in the near future to start a brand new chapter of her life. We can only hope that she will continue to inspire all those she comes across, and continue to educate the youth. Ms. Fuller, we thank you for all that you’ve done for us here at Mount Abe; as a teacher and a friend.
Since Joanne started teaching at Mount Abe, she has been involved with various committees including the democratic schools committee, the advisory steering committee, and the Amazing Sophomore Race committee. She has proven to not only care about the education of her students, but their general well being as well.
Over the past four years, she has built valuable relationships with her students and many of her co-workers. She has become a valuable addition to our school, teaching English 10, Creative Writing, Yearbook, and more recently: Journalism. We could have never put these newspapers together without her guidance and encouragement.
It is sad to say that Ms. Fuller has left the Mt. Abe community to pursue her masters in English at the University of Vermont. Along with her daughters Cordellia and Miranda, and her husband Ithiel, Joanne will be moving to Brattleboro in the near future to start a brand new chapter of her life. We can only hope that she will continue to inspire all those she comes across, and continue to educate the youth. Ms. Fuller, we thank you for all that you’ve done for us here at Mount Abe; as a teacher and a friend.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Radical Rodents by Aliza Rudinski
It is not hard to notice the intelligence of rats, especially when you spend as much time around them as I do. Sure, some of you may be squirming in your seats at the thought of even nearing such a critter, but I assure you they are not so bad. Rats are some of the most clever and loyal pets there are to (legally) own.
My love for rats began two years ago, when I adopted my first. Zoe, as I decided to call her, would grow to defy so many of the misconceptions there are about the species. Since the adoption of Zoe, I have gained three more precious rodents. Each rat has a noticeably different personality and temperament, creating unique relationships between them and myself.
Rats make such great pets, because of their persistence in pleasing their owners. Similar to dogs, rats will pick up new behaviors and tricks fairly easily. They enjoy having power over things, and will often hoard food or take charge of a specific space within their confinement. Rats are also extremely social, and have very complex relationships with their cage-mates. Their relationships, not only with their mates but with their owners, are such an important part of their lifestyle that they can actually die from social stress. If there is a drastic change in social surroundings, say, the death of a companion,
a rat will often starve itself to death. They are also extremely affectionate animals. They show their affection towards people and their cage-mates with their persistent licking and grooming. When they are especially content, they will grind their teeth until their eyes appear to be vibrating. This is called "bruxing". Rats love to be petted. They enjoy being rubbed
behind their ears or scratched on their shoulders. Some rats will roll over on their back so their owner can rub their tummy. When feeling playful, they will wrestle with your hand just like a kitten.
Rats are some of the cleanest animals there are.
They can be seen constantly grooming themselves and each other, and will typically bathe themselves more than six times a day. Believe it or not...they don’t smell, either! I have been fortunate enough to have rats that will actually do their business in a litter box, with very little training. The absolute best part about them is that when it’s time to come out and play, they tend to hold off on the excrement until they are back in the cage. This is because rats are very private animals, and prefer to go in their own personal area.
In the two years I have owned rats, I have never been bitten. In fact, rats rarely bite, especially if they are handled regularly and properly cared for. Typically, when a rat bites, it’s because it presumes you are holding food. Rats will bite when feeling threatened, obviously, as any animal would. Rats really aren’t such nasty vermin after all. They deserve the love and respect that any other animal receives, and it’s a shame that they are looked down upon in the manner that they are. More people should get to experience owning them as pets, and get to see what amazing creatures they really are.
My love for rats began two years ago, when I adopted my first. Zoe, as I decided to call her, would grow to defy so many of the misconceptions there are about the species. Since the adoption of Zoe, I have gained three more precious rodents. Each rat has a noticeably different personality and temperament, creating unique relationships between them and myself.
Rats make such great pets, because of their persistence in pleasing their owners. Similar to dogs, rats will pick up new behaviors and tricks fairly easily. They enjoy having power over things, and will often hoard food or take charge of a specific space within their confinement. Rats are also extremely social, and have very complex relationships with their cage-mates. Their relationships, not only with their mates but with their owners, are such an important part of their lifestyle that they can actually die from social stress. If there is a drastic change in social surroundings, say, the death of a companion,
a rat will often starve itself to death. They are also extremely affectionate animals. They show their affection towards people and their cage-mates with their persistent licking and grooming. When they are especially content, they will grind their teeth until their eyes appear to be vibrating. This is called "bruxing". Rats love to be petted. They enjoy being rubbed
behind their ears or scratched on their shoulders. Some rats will roll over on their back so their owner can rub their tummy. When feeling playful, they will wrestle with your hand just like a kitten.
Rats are some of the cleanest animals there are.
They can be seen constantly grooming themselves and each other, and will typically bathe themselves more than six times a day. Believe it or not...they don’t smell, either! I have been fortunate enough to have rats that will actually do their business in a litter box, with very little training. The absolute best part about them is that when it’s time to come out and play, they tend to hold off on the excrement until they are back in the cage. This is because rats are very private animals, and prefer to go in their own personal area.
In the two years I have owned rats, I have never been bitten. In fact, rats rarely bite, especially if they are handled regularly and properly cared for. Typically, when a rat bites, it’s because it presumes you are holding food. Rats will bite when feeling threatened, obviously, as any animal would. Rats really aren’t such nasty vermin after all. They deserve the love and respect that any other animal receives, and it’s a shame that they are looked down upon in the manner that they are. More people should get to experience owning them as pets, and get to see what amazing creatures they really are.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)